---
title: "Commentary on Timothy, Titus and Philemon"
author: "John Calvin"
translator: "William Pringle"
languages: [en]
shelf: "Commentaries"
section: 70 of 77
url: https://scriptura.si/works/john-calvin-commentary-on-timothy-titus-and-philemon/70/
cite: "John Calvin, tr. William Pringle, Commentary on Timothy, Titus and Philemon, section 70. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/john-calvin-commentary-on-timothy-titus-and-philemon/70/"
---

# Commentary on Timothy, Titus and Philemon

*John Calvin, tr. William Pringle*

Calvin on the pastoral letters and the letter to Philemon.

## 70. Chapter 2

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/john-calvin-commentary-on-timothy-titus-and-philemon/70/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/john-calvin-commentary-on-timothy-titus-and-philemon/70/#p-N

[¶0] 1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus.

[¶1] 2 And what things thou hast heard from me by many witnesses, these commit thou to believing men, who shall be able to teach others also.

[¶2] 3 Do thou therefore endure afflictions, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

[¶3] 4 No man who warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of life, that he may please his general.

[¶4] 5 And if any one also strive, he is not crowned, unless he strive lawfully.

[¶5] 6 The husbandman must labor before he receive the fruits.

[¶6] 7 Understand what I say; and may the Lord give thee understanding in all things!

[¶7] 8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, hath been raised from the dead, according to my gospel;

[¶8] 9 In which I am a sufferer, as an evil — doer, even to bonds, but the word of God is not bound.

[¶9] 10 Wherefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

[¶10] 11 It is a faithful saying; for if we die with him, we shall also live with him;

[¶11] 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us;

[¶12] 13 If we are unbelieving, he remaineth faithful; he cannot deny himself.

[¶13] 14 Remind them of these things, solemnly charging them before the Lord not to dispute about words, for no use, (but) for the subversion of the hearers.

[¶14] 15 Study to shew thyself to be approved by God, a workman that doth not blush, dividing aright the word of truth.

[¶15] 16 But avoid profane and unmeaning noises; for they will grow to greater ungodliness.

[¶16] 17 And their word will eat as a gangrene; of the number of whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

[¶17] 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is already past, and subvert the faith of some.

[¶18] 19 Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth firm, having this seal, The Lord knoweth who are his, and, Let every one that calleth on the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

[¶19] 20 Now, in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor and some to dishonor

[¶20] 21 If any one, therefore, shall cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel sanctified for honor, and useful for the Lord, being prepared for every good work.

[¶21] 22 Flee youthful desires; but follow righteousness, faith, love, peace, with all that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

[¶22] 23 But avoid foolish and uninstructive questions, knowing that they beget quarrels.

[¶23] 24 But the servant of the Lord must not fight, but must be gentle towards all, qualified for teaching, patient to the bad,

[¶24] 25 Instructing (or, chastising) those who resist, if some time God give to them repentance for the acknowledgment of the truth,

[¶25] 26 And deliverance (or, return to a sound mind) from the snare of the devil, by whom they are held captive at his will.